International Business Growth

The City of Cockburn actively engages internationally, forging strong, mutually beneficial connections, particularly within the Indo-Pacific. Committed to unlocking new markets, attracting investment and skills, and fostering innovation and job creation, the City empowers local businesses to thrive globally. By championing international engagement, Cockburn leverages its strategic location, industrial strengths, and diverse community into a competitive advantage for all.

The Council-approved International Engagement Program (May 14, 2024) focuses on connecting Cockburn businesses with markets in the UK, US, Indonesia, Vietnam, and Singapore. Through curated trade delegations, the City facilitates connections between local businesses and potential international partners and investors.

This program aims to:

  • Expand market reach: Provide a platform for local businesses to showcase their offerings to a wider audience, unlocking new markets and customers.
  • Forge strategic partnerships: Facilitate connections with international companies, fostering collaborations and joint ventures to accelerate business growth.
  • Attract investment: Highlight Cockburn's strengths and potential as a business hub, creating jobs and stimulating the local economy.

The City's program aligns with broader State and Federal Government international engagement initiatives, such as free trade agreements, the AUKUS security pact, and the Indonesia-Australia Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement.

Key Markets 

The City is particularly focused on forging connections with these key markets: 

  • Vietnam  
  • Indonesia  
  • Singapore  
  • ​United Kingdom
  • ​United States. 

Business Benefits 

The City wants Cockburn to be a prosperous place where both people and businesses can thrive and be successful. 
 
By leading on international engagement, we can drive that prosperity, resulting in: 
  • Local business growth, as international partnerships and investment opportunities fuel the expansion and success of local businesses 
  • Job creation, as the increased economic activity attracts new businesses and investment – thereby also benefiting the wider community 
  • Knowledge sharing and innovation through collaboration with international partners, fostering the vibrant exchange of ideas and expertise. 

Cockburn’s Competitive Advantages 

The Cockburn Economy

The City of Cockburn is a great place to do business.  

From Government agencies to global companies in heavy industries to football teams, Cockburn is an attractive place to headquarter any enterprise.  

More than 8,500 businesses are based here, providing 55,000 local jobs. Some 61,000 residents are employed across a range of industries and sectors.  

Cockburn is one of the most successful commercial and industrial business hubs in WA and has a long history. But now we are evolving into a vibrant and growing industrial epicentre and becoming a major contributor to economic activity in the state.  

Cockburn provides around 30 per cent of the employment for the South-West area of Perth and generates almost $6 billion in domestic and international exports. About 18,000 people work in our commercial precincts.  

Industrial Cockburn

Our major industrial areas include:  

  • The $15 billion defence and maritime industry cluster at the Australian Marine Complex (AMC) at Henderson 
  • Latitude 32: at 1,400 hectares, one of the largest industrial zones in Australia  
  • Jandakot City: the 150-hectare integrated commercial and industrial park at Jandakot Airport 
  • Cockburn Commercial Park: home to 1,673 businesses ranging from engineering companies to construction and transport businesses. 

 A new port planned for Cockburn Sound, called Westport, is expected to meet future industrial growth needs for Perth for the next 50 to 100 years. That will unlock more potential for investment, business, industry and jobs.   

Jandakot Airport, one of Australia’s busiest airfields and its largest aviation training base, is located in the City of Cockburn.  

Defence and Cockburn

Cockburn is a vital hub for maritime and defence industries in Western Australia.  

With the Federal Government establishing a Commonwealth-owned Defence Precinct at Henderson, Cockburn is set to become a major centre for maintenance, driving economic growth and job creation in the region.  

This initiative will not only enhance Australia’s defence capabilities but also stimulate the local economy, with plans to support and build capacity for 500 businesses in the supply chain, fostering innovation and technological advancement in the maritime sector. 

Strategic Alignment 

The City’s international engagement program aligns with these City of Cockburn policies and plans: 

More information and contact

For more information or assistance with International Enagement please contact our Economic Development Officer on (08) 9411 3444 or email [email protected].

Contact

Address

City of Cockburn
Whadjuk Boodjar
9 Coleville Crescent,
Spearwood 6163

PO Box 1215, Bibra Lake DC,
Western Australia, 6965

Office opening hours:
8.30am to 4.30pm
Monday to Friday (excluding public holidays)

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Cockburn Nyungar moort Beeliar boodja-k kaadadjiny. Koora, yeyi, benang baalap nidja boodja-k kaaradjiny.
Ngalak kaditj boodjar kep wer kaadidjiny kalyakool yoodaniny, wer koora wer yeyi ngalak Birdiya koota-djinanginy.

The City of Cockburn acknowledges the Nyungar people of Beeliar Boodjar. Long ago, now and in the future they care for Country.
We acknowledge a continuing connection to Land, Waters and Culture and pay our respects to Elders, past and present.